When God speaks in sleep
Dreams have meaning
By Petra Wekesser – CBN Prayer Hotline
How did you sleep last night? Can you still remember what you dreamt? I recently ordered 4,000 bright red hearts in a dream. When I asked myself what I should do with all the hearts, I got the answer: “Give them away to people, they need my love.” I like to think about this dream. I am sure God spoke to me in it.
The language of dreams
“I praise the Lord, for he gives me good counsel. Even at night my conscience reminds me of what he says.” (Psalm 16:7; HFA)
God wants to speak to us. He uses different ways to do this – including dreams. We are very active during the day, but at night we are at rest so there are no disturbing factors and God has our undivided attention. Not all people experience God in dreams, but for many people this type of communication holds a special secret. It is common for God to speak to us clearly in dreams, but sometimes they are confused or nebulous.
Dreams have different functions
God had a clear message for Abimelech: “You must die! For the wife you have taken is married to another!” (Genesis 20:3; HFA)
Abraham had previously claimed his wife Sarah as his sister. He feared for his life because he thought someone might kill him to get Sarah. Abimelech, who had taken Sarah, brought her to Abraham the very next day so he was spared. So dreams can save.
Joseph had prophetic dreams that pointed him to the future: Joseph dreamed of eleven sheaves of grain bowing down to his sheaf – an indication that he would one day have power over his brothers (see Genesis 37:5-9). It took many years for this dream to come true.
My father often had nightmares at night. I was sure that he was still carrying burdens from the war and asked him if we wanted to bring them to Jesus. He agreed and we did. The nightmares became fewer and eventually disappeared completely. These dreams pointed to a problem in his life that still needed to be solved. Dreams can be a warning signal to us. So, there are many functions of dreams. They can also encourage or frighten us, reveal something to us, help us, comfort us, or show us the way.
Dreams must be tested
Dreams are one way God speaks to us, but not the only way. If you have a dream that you think might be from God, ask yourself: What has God spoken to me about recently? What prayers have I been saying?
It is important to examine dreams. Write down dreams, pray about them and seek confirmation in God’s Word or in sharing with fellow believers. This can give us clues, because in the end, God is the only one who can interpret dreams with certainty.
Allow yourself to enter your dreams anew and experience what God has in store for you. Trustingly place your spirit under divine protection in prayer this evening. I wish you beautiful and uplifting dreams from our Father in heaven.
